Five Things The Incredible Trio Of Julie Gichuru, Raila Odinga and Jeff Koinange Have In Common Other Than Their Birthday (Photos)

42, 71 and 50, those are the numbers that define the ages of Julie Gichuru, Raila Odinga and Jeff Koinange. These respected personalities are today celebrating their birthdays, and what a company they make.

There position in the national fabric is unquestioned and they deserve all the attention and congratulations, for their achievements are many. However, there is more they share than just a birthday. Here are five outstanding things these three share.

1. They are leaders and icons in their respective fields

The position earned by the three is earned and they have long crossed the threshold of being just others in the industry to pioneers, icons and role models in the industry. Julie Gichuru is a model to many a current and up coming lady journalists while she is as astute a businessperson as nay you will get. All these done with ease amid the demands of motherhood. Jeff Koinange was long a trendsetter at CNN before he redefined Kenyan TV talk show even at the then just emerging K24. For Raila Odinga, there is little to be said that is not already in public domain regarding his achievements and impact on the political scene.

2. They maintain a Youthful zeast and charm even as they age and reach new heights

Seeing Julie or Jeff excited on the screen and in real life over the simplest of stuff is a pleasant and charming experience. Remember her letting of that so famous ululation ? What about the my oh my and deep laughter of Jeff. They do not allow their position and age to limit their ability to experience happiness. Raila cracks jokes with the same cheekiness a Babu Owino would, participates in dances and sports not just for show but because he enjoys it.

3. They have always found a way to bounce back from set backs

The three are perfect examples that tough times do not last tough people do. Jeff Koinange was scandalized leaving CNN and his career was kinda written off, right now it seems he was forever on the bench not someone who experienced a public fall from such a high profile position. Raila has been in detention more than once, lost elections and seen friends leave, the guy still keeps looking like the luckiest politician who had the smoothest ride. Julie Gichuru’s struggles from struggling to make through college, settling debt in her early career to dealing with the loss of her son have not stopped her going on to reach the heights she has achieved

4. They never stop and settle even when we think they are at their peak

Many say Raila should retire but the guy still proves he is the most viable politician outside government and tribal matters and other factors aside, there is no current politician who would hold a candle to him in terms of influence and prominence. Just when you thought Julie was retiring from TV or just settle she gets arguably the most popular celebrity fashion store locally, gets a respected continental Talk Show and still emerges in betting business. Who thought Jeff could double up as an astute radio presenter and a country music one for that?

5. For all their fans, haters, achievements and Errors, they are accepted and listened to 

I couldn’t get a simple way to frame this. These three capture in their own unique ways everything about the Kenyan dream. We aspire to reach their heights and even with their above average Kenyan backgrounds, they still capture the common life and their influence is never in doubt. They can be loved or hated but never ignored.

We wish all of them a happy birthday and more achievements.